Once a sprawling, well-manicured estate of the Duke family, Duke Farms is now a model of environmental conservation and sustainability. As Duke Farms was opening to the public in 2012, they wanted to tell the story of not only the site’s rich cultural heritage, but also the land’s natural diversity – and the environmental practices that were being used to regenerate the land for a new purpose.
As part of the creative team that brought the visitor experience to life, I helped tell these stories through interactive exhibits at the Orientation Center and the orchid greenhouse, signage across miles of marked trails, and printed nature guides that visitors could take with them as they explored. Creating site-specific exhibits and opportunities for storytelling helps engage visitors and inspire them to become better-informed stewards of the land.
